A new born baby cries and moves its tiny arms and legs. Thus begins its tiny “steps” in the journey of life. Somewhere along the way, we forget the fundamental role of movement in our being and indeed well-being. We tend to relate movement to the physical-body and do not relate its impact on our mind. Medical science has established the inter-twinned nature of body-mind complex. We now know that the separation of body and mind leads to unfulfilled lives and mental health challenges.
In the earlier article, we saw how ancient cultures have used dance and movement for individual and collective well-being, connection and healing.
Based on the learning that body and mind are intertwined in its functioning, dance/movement therapy (DMT) is defined by the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) as:
the psychotherapeutic use of movement as a process which furthers the emotional, cognitive, and physical integration of the individual.
Thus, DMT affects changes in feelings, cognition, physical functioning, behavior and social reintegration.
Beneficial for both physical and mental health, dance therapy can be used for stress reduction, disease prevention, and mood management. In addition, DMT’s physical component offers increased muscular strength, coordination, mobility, and decreased muscular tension. DMT can be used with all populations and with individuals, couples, families, or groups. In general, dance therapy promotes self-awareness, self-esteem, and a safe space for the expression of feelings.
Issues that DMT can effectively address
Physical Issues:
- Chronic pain
- Childhood obesity
- Cancer
- Arthritis
- Hypertension
- Cardiovascular disease
Mental Health Issues:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Disordered eating
- Poor self-esteem
- Posttraumatic stress
Cognitive Issues:
- Dementia
- Communication issues
Social Issues:
- Autism
- Aggression/violence
- Domestic violence trauma
- Social interaction
- Family conflict
The Emphasis on Non-Verbal Observation Communication and Expression
The emphasis on non-verbal communication makes this an especially beneficial therapy for individuals who find it difficult to articulate, release, or express their thoughts and feelings verbally. This is one of primary reasons dance therapy is often used with children and adults who have been severely traumatized and aren’t ready or able to talk about their experience. It’s also the reason
dance therapy can be particularly useful for individuals suffering from dementia, traumatic brain injury, impaired memory, developmental delays, learning disabilities, and autistic spectrum disorders.
Dance therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for dignified self-expression via movement, something that may be foreign to many individuals – especially those who struggle with coordination problems, self-consciousness, poor body image, and low self-esteem. This element of dance therapy also helps bring people out of their comfort zone and experience new ways of expressing themselves.
A Unique and Powerful Dimension to Therapy
Dance therapy can be a useful alternative or adjunct therapy when talk therapy hasn’t been effective. Unlike most forms of psychotherapy, dance therapy’s utilization of physical movement adds a unique and powerful dimension to healing. As such, it provides a host of physiological benefits (e.g. increased flexibility, improved circulation, decreased muscle tension) that contribute to a person’s overall wellbeing and strengthens somatic awareness (i.e. being more in touch with one’s body and the mind-body connection).
Dance therapy can be used for almost any demographic, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly from any race or ethnic background. It can be used effectively with individuals who are visually or hearing impaired. It can be conducted on an individual basis, with couples and families, or in a group format.
In a group format Dance therapy promotes social interaction. This can be particularly advantageous for individuals who have a difficult time talking in a group setting, struggle with social anxiety, or are experiencing social isolation. The social aspect of group dance therapy can decrease feelings of loneliness, help individuals overcome shyness, and improve communication and interpersonal skills.
Dance therapy gives individuals who are struggling with anger, rage, and hostility an opportunity to release negative emotions through movement while discovering new, appropriate ways to express negative emotions.
Dance therapy gives patients an opportunity to deal with painful emotions without having to talk about them. As such, it can provide an enjoyable and relaxing break from the difficulties they face in their day-to-day life. This is one of the reasons it can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are recovering from or struggling to cope with serious health issues such as cancer, terminal illness, or a life-altering injury (e.g. the loss of a limb).
Dance therapy is often very relaxing, which is beneficial for both physical and mental health.
Despite what some may assume about this particular treatment mode, dance therapy doesn’t require prior dance experience, athleticism, or good coordination skills. Even elderly individuals with physical limitations, individuals confined to wheel chairs, and anyone else with any movement challenges can benefit from dance therapy. In fact, for those whose self-esteem has been impacted by a physical disability, serious illness, or coordination issues, dance therapy can be particularly advantageous. This is because it can help boost confidence and enable individuals to see themselves – and their bodies – in a new, more positive light.
to be continued.
SMITA RAJAN |
About the Author
Smita Rajan a certified Dance and Movement Therapist and Mental Health Practitioner is a Co-founder (Programs and Outreach) at Thunai Trust (www.thunai.org) – An organization working in Trauma-Resilience building and Maternal Mental Health. She also teaches Bharathanatyam and Movement classes at her institution, Parampara—Dance for wellbeing. |
